Inverter voltage

[big_buford]

Have a go power sine 2000w inverter. There are 2 dip switches to select voltage output. Factory setting is 115v. When set at 115v I see 111v at the inverter, 110v plugs on rig and about 108v on icemaker line while running. Is 108v too low? I set inverter to 120v setting, read 121v at inverter. Will test ice maker this next weekend at 120v setting while out camping, but given the above voltages which would you run? Will the 120v setting use more AH's? Thanks

[camperpaul]

RJsfishin wrote:
Why is the 115v even on there ?? I wouldn't have even tried the 115v.
If volts go up, amps go down, how ya figure it'll be less efficient ???

E=IR

P=EI

[RJsfishin]

Why is the 115v even on there ?? I wouldn't have even tried the 115v.
If volts go up, amps go down, how ya figure it'll be less efficient ???

[pronstar]

Mark, we had sort of a brownout in Long Brach a few weeks back, none of my sensitive electronics (computer, HDTV, home theater receiver) liked 106 - 108 volts, and my UPS's all kicked on.

I would select 120v.

[KD4UPL]

120v is the standard voltage in the U.S. now so that's what I would use. That's what everything is designed for.
Lots of old timers still call it 110 volts. That was true many years ago. Then the standard became 115. Now it's 120. The utility companies keep jacking it up to push more power thru their lines.

[Golden_HVAC]

I would also go with the 120 volt setting. The chance that the wattage from the battery will change is slim. In other words, what wattage will change or increased amp hours, it will be difficult to measure.

Fred.

[big_buford]

Meter is a fluke T5-600, I believe it is a rms meter but not sure. Ice maker is a uline BI95 and uses about 2.5a AC. I'll switch to 120 and take some readings and report back. Thank you for your help 🙂

[Wayne_Dohnal]

Another vote for 120, but the lower setting should work just fine, too. The standard rating for equipment is 115 volts +/- 10%, although the labels for Made in China stuff can be all over the place. Do you use more AH's on 120? IMO that's hard to say. Loads like incandescent lights, hair dryers, and microwave ovens will use more. But the lights will be brighter and the hair dryer and microwave will do its job faster. The inverter efficiency might be better with the high setting, or at the low setting, or it might be the same at either. I think you'll have to do a lot of measuring to get the answer.

[enblethen]

I would change to 120 volts.
Then start looking for corroded electrical connections. Voltage drops are more then what I would like to see especially on the ice maker.

[tenbear]

My vote is for 120v too.

[time2roll]

I know it is sine wave but is it a true rms meter?
I would probably run it at 120.
My little 300w GP is 115 rated and runs stuff just fine at 115 or just under.
I believe 108 is fine but on the low side of normal for a motor.
No worries for the icemaker. Microwave might cook at just slightly lower power.

[Mandalay_Parr]

I would probably set it at 120 especially after seeing your readings. That is the standard voltage these days. Maybe draw about 3-4% more.